UNFCCC COP 28: Oborevwori woos investors in green energy, carbon free technology, others, to Delta State

From left: Evangelist Helen Peters(BOT Nurses Across the Borders), Pastor Peters Omoragbon( Executive President NAB), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso ( Chairman, PDP, Delta State), Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu ( SSG Delta state), barrister Obukohwo Nani, (Chairman DESOPADEC), Ms Gloria Oborevwori (SSA to the Governor on tourism, Delta), Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro Commissioner for Environment Delta

His Excellency, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State, has called on investors in green energy, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers as well as other carbon free technology and investors’ innovators to come and invest in Delta State, Nigeria.

Oborevwori known for his environmental sustainability advocacy, made the overture after receiving the maiden edition of the Climate Change Champion Award presented to him by Nurses Across the Borders International at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 28 Side Event.

The event with the theme ‘Building Partnership in Promoting Public Health through Ecological Restoration: What is at Stake?’ took place on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, said that Delta State is peaceful with favourable climate, security and return on investment mostly guaranteed. 

He said that the theme of the event was striking and effectual to him personally as a climate change advocate, and to the government of Delta State of Nigeria, adding that it would help Delta State to shape and align her climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Roadmap, to cover more facets and frontiers in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

He spoke on what his government has been doing ever since it assumed leadership of the state “The State has through its relevant agencies and line-ministries been able to carry out various activities as part of its Pre-COP 28 activities, Visit to Solid Chemicals Recycling Company, Asaba where Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles are recycled to produce wool, hair products, box strips; Sensitization of saw millers and smallholder farmers in parts of the state on the use of agricultural waste for briquette production; Sensitization of Timber and Saw Millers Associations in the state on the use of wood waste (saw dust) for briquette production; and Organisation of a virtual meeting with oil companies operating in Delta State to discuss ways of reducing gas flaring in the State, among other activities.

He disclosed that plans are on the way for a Post COP28 activities with relevant stakeholders in the state and partners like Nurses Across the Borders to share best practices with oil companies in the management and optimal utilisation of the gas been flared and reduction of the green gas emission in the state. Also he said “There is a plan to carry out feasibility studies of the four Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects in the state for the recovery and utilisation of associated gas flaring in parts of the state. These projects have been registered with the UNFCCC and their Certified Emission Reduction (CER) will serve as incentives for funding opportunities from international partners and funding agencies in the form of carbon credit.

He stated that the global South is the worst hit of the climate change induced impacts, yet underdeveloped. “I call on world leaders to ward off climate change politics or denials and come to terms with climate change justice. The global South is the worst hit of the climate change induced impacts, yet underdeveloped. There is great hashtag #Nigeria Climate Emergency, especially in Delta State, as a result. For decades, we have been confronted with drought, flooding, climate change induced internally displaced persons in various IDP camps due to loss of habitat, food insecurity and health related issues like pandemics and epidemics.

 “Delta State as well as Nigeria is in dire need of Loss and Damage Funding to enable it ameliorate climate change induced impacts. Our government through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, my office and DESPODEC in collaboration with the Climate Change Office of Nurses Across the Borders, our climate change consultants, shall after this conference seek modalities through which Delta State can access all climate change funding, benefits, and assistance from the United Nations agencies, partners, World Bank, groups, and donor agencies for the benefit of Delta State people and Nigeria in general.”

Oborevwori thanked in a special way the leadership of Nurses Across the Borders and DESOPADEC “I thank in a special way the leadership of Nurses Across the Borders and DESOPADEC for the partnership they share, which brought forth the synergy we are concretizing today in this beautiful, tangential, and vintage platform of COP 28, wherein critical issues of Loss and Damage and evaluation of the scorecards of the Nationally Determined Commitments (NDCs) shall be made operational. There could be no better time than now to address this all-important subject.”

LASU is Nigeria's most digitally advanced state university; wins Treble at Nigeria Technology Awards

Still basking in the euphoria of her latest ranking as the 9th overall best University and Best State University in Nigeria, Lagos State University has once again claimed the top spot among State universities in the country by clinching three awards at the just concluded Nigeria Technology Awards. 

At the highly rated awards, which had the who is who in the Nigeria technology industry in attendance, LASU cemented its place as the undisputed first choice State University in the country by winning the award for Excellence in Digital Transformation State University, Best Use of Technology (Students Records) State University and Best Use of Technology (E-learning) State University. 

A delegation from the university, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan was on ground to receive the awards. Remarkably, LASU was the cynosure of all eyes as the institution received one award after the other, emerging one of the most awarded organisation of all the organisations in attendance. The awards, according to the organisers, Beta Media, followed months of nomination and voting process involving several institutions in the country. 

LASU's recognition in the technology space lends credence to the strides the university has made in the last two years under the administration of Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello in the area of digitalisation of its processes and services. Recall that earlier this week, the university introduced a mobile App called LASU Staff Corner to boost staff productivity, a development that was widely celebrated by stakeholders. Also worthy of note is that the immediate past Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) named the university as a reference point for use of Technology in Nigerian universities during the institution's 26th Convocation, which held in June 2023. 

Prof. Omobitan was accompanied to receive the Award by Bursar, Mr. Said Babatunde Olayinka, who was represented by Deputy Bursar, Epe Campus, Mr. Jerry Jinadu; Deputy Registrar, VCO, Dr. Lateef Sekoni; Deputy Registrar and Special Assistant to the VC, Dr. Lateef Salami; Coordinator, CIPR, Mrs Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile and Media Assistant to the VC, Mr Oluwaseun Gbanja. 

The Nigerian Technology Awards, which is in its 9th year, is an annual event organised to celebrate and reward Technology Entrepreneurs, Technology professionals, corporate organisations, innovators, academicians and policy makers in the technology space with the aim of promoting excellent achievements in the Nigerian Technology Space. 

This year's awards held on Saturday, 9th December 2023, at the VirginRose Resorte, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

Popular brands such as DHL, Tecno, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC), Federal Inland Revenue Service, iTel mobile, Vatebra Limited, amongst others were also awarded in various categories of awards bordering of technology.

 

God has used us to decongest hell, says Prophet Anene Nwachukwu, as Rhema clocks 23

Rhema Deliverance Mission International Lagos, on Sunday, December 3, 2023 marked her 23^rd Anniversary in grand style; venue was the International Headquarters of the church at Iba.

No doubt the service laced with lots of melodious musical festivity, was not only a celebration of number of years, but it was actually first, spiritually edifying, the blind saw, the deaf heard and the dumb spoke at the instance of the man of God, Oracle 1, Prophet (Bishop) Anene Nwachukwu, a man anointed for signs and wonders, a man who believes that a church must be known for deliverance, healing, and miracle.

Coming from a family of priests, Prophet Anene is such a grateful man of God who obviously owes all his successes to God and the foundation laid for the family by his late father, the patriarch, Bishop Arthur Nwachukwu whose Rhema Church located in Onitsha, Anambra State, was the springboard on which his children rose to limelight.

Members of the church all dressed in gorgeous attires in sync with the mood of the day, while the band thoroughly electrified the auditorium with songs that melt the soul, catapults it to that realm where it is now one with God, and God is ready to bless it with healings, deliverances and miracles. All that attended the anniversary testified of God’s faithfulness to the church and its members over the past 23 years. More than 40 cows, uncountable bags of rice, among others came to the church as article of thanksgiving. However; all the things brought to the church for thanksgiving would definitely be given out to the poor in keeping with the philanthropic mantra of the church. The widows, the less-privileged, the abjectly poor, the employed, are among the categories that would benefit from these gestures.

Flashing his mind back to the early part of the church; the bold but humble Oracle of God while interacting with the media said his ministry has helped to decongest the kingdom of darkness. “Well I am very grateful to God who has brought us thus far to where we are today. To the glory of God our ministry in Lagos turned 23 and at 23 we can boast that God has used us to decongest hell, meeting people at the point of their needs, salvation to sinners, fruitfulness to the barren and marriage for the unmarried, babies have been dedicated, and God has been so faithful to us.”

High point of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake.

Seeing toddlers who were dedicated in the church now grown up and are being joined in marriage by him, he said that he felt fulfilled, adding that a healthy church is where you see the parents and children worshipping together. “I feel excited, many of the people who came to this church as toddlers are married here, they have their children here and their parents are still here. You know a healthy church is where you see father, mother, children, that is what you have here. There are some churches you go to, you see only youths, and all those youths are ye men, ye men. But here you see father, mother, children, worshipping here, to the glory of God. We have not gotten to where we are going, but we are no longer where we used to be.”

Anene also spoke on what makes his church different from other churches, saying they are maturing every day. “Our ministration is something that I see with my very eyes changing day by day. The way I preached yesterday is no longer the way I preach today. We are getting mature in the lord. The bible says that those that do know their God shall be strong and they will do exploits. We keep on knowing him every day and we are changing of our ways and the way we have been doing things.”

He added that the secret of his success is being faithful to the calling and the prophecies. “The secret is relying on his prophecies and being faithful to your calling.”

Other achievements by the Rhema Church in over its 23 years of existence include seeing barren women conceive, and his church members succeed. “Number one, so many barren women in the church have conceived, and they have been able to perform because of our prayers. We have dedicated triplet here in the church. One of our members who was a General Manager in the Sun Newspapers dedicated triplet, three boys as I prophesied. We still have another woman for 24 years, no child, she is going to deliver by next month; she has the scanned result. We have people who came as nobody here, like the chairman of my men’s fellowship, Dr Keneth Obasi, he came here as a Corper, serving. After service he wanted to relocate to the east and I told him God said you should not go back to the east, you should be in Lagos, I see you as a millionaire in the next four years, and today he is a millionaire, importing Pharmaceutical products; a doctor, doing perfectly well.

“Today some of them came with two cows, some came with three. You saw somebody that came with five cows. These are the people; we have over 40 cows here as a result of result. We thank God. You see, when you give a cow good grass and it eats well, it will excrete out manures for your cultivations. The cow you did not feed well would not give you manure.

Bishop Anene also spoke on critical national issues including the issue of N160 million worth of SUV for each National Assembly member and other expenditure rascality being witnessed under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Nigerian politicians always think about the next election, but great leaders think about the next generation. We don’t have leaders in this country, what we have are politicians. Politicians are greedy, they are self-centered, they are wicked and they are jealous. Unlike the country we are borrowing from on daily basis, we are here living like kings, having big SUVs, when they are supposed to be living like people owing people. So these are things that are not normal. But we are praying that God will sanitize our nation. It is not right to buy the SUVs.

The media also sought his position on the opinion expressed by people that the country is in a state of judicial, economic and political confusion. “Well in our country today, you can see that inflation is high, but we believe God that, no matter what, God will still do something. Nigeria is a country where people do things anyhow and get away with it, we believe God that things will surely change for good. Our country will rise again and our people shall be great again.

On issue of Nigerians migrating to other climes in the name of ‘japa’, he said “You see the economy is not good, things are not well, so anyone that sees a way for greener pastures, can move. When you look, here there is lawlessness, there is impunity, and some people cannot continue to fathom what is going on, so they have to find their way. I don’t blame those that chose to run away from Nigeria, but me, we shall be here and salvage it together.

Prophet Anene Nwachukwu cautioned and also advised Nigerians to ignore the role played by the electoral body in the 2023 elections and its aftermath in the court, to continue to exercise their franchise in elections in Nigeria. “They say that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man, but today you will agree with me that the judiciary is the lost hope of the common man. Our judiciary needs to be reformed, and when you look at the judgements in our courts today, you would see that some of them are miscarriage of justice. Look at Kano incident, if NNPP got one million votes in the governorship election, a landslide and you go to the court to nullify it, what does it show? So it means that it is a miscarriage of justice. The Governor of Kano State currently is under NNPP, and that state is being governed by Kwankwaso, spiritually and physically he is the one in charge of that place, but if you look at the current situation in that state, you would see that the court is trying to truncate democracy. Some of them who voted and they see the judgement going to the opposition, are not happy, that is the truth. So I encourage people, no matter the frustration brought about by INEC, people should not be discouraged from going out to vote.

He advised his members to be steadfast “Let me start by saying that I want to thank God for my father, Bishop Arthur Nwachukwu, who led solid foundation that we are enjoying today. Our father is a living saint, everything that we are doing emanated from him. So I want to encourage my members to always look up to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Whatever that we are doing here is for the glory of God, and anyone that is part of us must see that we put God first in anything we do.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CGNS holds Education Summit 2023, x-rays Diaspora gains, modern day slavery in Africa

The latest movement of Nigerians, nay, Africans, to developed continents of the world in search of greener pastures, has become an issue of concern to individuals, organisations, the countries across Africa and even the globally. No wonder the Centre for General Nigeria Studies (CGNS) convened what it called an Education Summit 2023 to x-ray the burning subject.

The four-day summit with the theme “Diaspora Gains and the Question of Modern Day Slavery in Africa” which commenced Monday, 4th December and ends Thursday, 7th December, 2023, took place at the Makanjuola Lecture Hall, Lagos State University, at Ojo.

The Keynote Speaker, Professor Siyan Oyeweso from the Osun State University in his paper titled “From Trans-Saharan Slave Trade to Checking out, Sapa, Japa, Japada: Interrogating Issues in Brain drain, Brain gain and Modern Slavery”.

According to Oyeweso, Diaspora gain and modern-day slavery are two burning fundamental issues and great ills that have continued to beset and shape global human and state relations, saying “As the movement of people across national and international borders remains one of the core aspects of the global socio-economic and political value chain, it has become difficult, if not impossible, to take the issue of diaspora and modern-day slavery lightly, given its implications for sustainable growth and development on the African continent.”

He disclosed that no topic illustrates Africa's current position in the international system better than the one on issues of slavery, migration and diaspora. “Africa's history with the wider world is replete with these three fundamental themes. The concept and practice of slavery are not only attached to African history, but also the relationship between Africa and the West (the Global North) under the grip of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and colonialism reshaped the frontiers and practices of slave trade and slavery, which is now assuming a new dimension.”

The erudite Professor added that some historical and contemporary concepts, such as the Africa Diaspora, the Black Atlantic and the Atlantic World denote centuries of population movement between Africa and the wider world. These events, according to him, have left significant imprints on African migration and transnational relations which justify the need to further interrogate these issues, not only to identify the context of the past but also to use the findings to reconsider the present and adequately prepare for the outcomes of the future of the African continent.”

Oyeweso said that Africa has been described as a continent on the move. “Africa has been described as a "continent on the move," which signifies the continuous African movement from the continent primarily shaped by socio-economic and political forces rooted in Africa's crises of attaining sustainable growth and development. Therefore, this academic conference is an inquiry into an important dimension of population movement from Africa to the global community.”

Speaking on what he called slavery and slave trade: a brief synopsis he said that no topic illustrates Africa’s position in the global system better than slavery, both as a system of trade and as an institution, adding that in addressing the context of diaspora gains and modern-day slavery, a crucial take-off point is to go down memory lane to adequately conceptualize the issue.

Oyeweso said although slavery and slave trade in Africa were domestic, they were one of the major developments in Africa that connected the continent to the wider world. “In fact, the global economic history that involves Africans cannot be complete without making proper reference to the issues and implications of slave trade. Also, African underdevelopment trajectories cannot be discussed without referring to the roles of slave trade. Walter Rodney's seminal book How Europe Underdeveloped Africa remains a fundamental historical text that discusses the implications of slavery for Africa. Africans dominated the narrative of several global slave trade networks, such as the Trans-Saharan Slave Trade, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the India-Ocean Slave Trade. The volumes of this slave trade represented one of the most extreme forms of coercion, dehumanization, and commodification of human labour in global history.”  

He stated that counting the cost of the slave trade in Africa remains one of the important aspects of slave trade history in Africa. “The implications of slave trade and slavery for Africa cannot be underestimated. The number of Africans that were enslaved had both demographic and development implications for the continent.”

On her part, Prof Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, represented by Prof Olufunsho Omobitan, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, noted that Nigerian youths who migrate out of the nation in their numbers in search of greener pastures do so without any proper plan to mitigate the challenges they are bound to face in the other climes where they will face life as second class citizens.

The Vice Chancellor mentioned such challenges to include sex slavery, child labour, racism and other inhuman treatments.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello agreed that factors such as poverty, unemployment and other hash socio-econonomic challenges within have remained the compelling forces occasioning the mass exodus of the youth out of the country.

She said that she was challenging the Nigerian government to make Nigeria work and habitable for Nigerians so that the country would not continue to lose her best.

Prof Mubashiru Olayiwola Babatunde Mohammed, Director of the Centre for General Nigerian Studies (CGNS) conveyed message of hope for Nigerian, adding that Nigerians youths should stay back home and join hands with hope to build the country to the enviable height. “It is still possible. We can make it work. Yes, I know it’s not easy that even as a professor today, my take home is less that N450000, yet I believe that there is still hope for this country.”

He continued “You would recall that when I discharged my professorial inaugural lecture, I did recommend that the basic salary of a professor should be N1.5m while the starting pay of an Assistant Lecturer should be N350,000. Should this be done, we will then witness less of this Japa thing we are facing in the country and indeed, Africa”; Prof Mohammed stated.

 

CIOTA set to hold 5th National Summit, discusses emerging national challenges, prospects in transportation modes

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), Nigeria, has concluded plans to hold its 5th National Summit to discuss emerging national challenges and prospects in the transportation modes.                                                  

The association made the disclosure at a zoom meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023.

The chartered institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria is the premier chartered professional transport body in Nigeria providing training, membership and certification that specifically addresses the work performed by transport professionals.

According to Professor Samuel Odewumi, a Professor of Transport and Logistics, and the Chairman of the Planning Committee, CIOTA, the summit is scheduled to hold between 12thDecember and 14th December 2023 at NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja, and the theme of this year’s summit is christened "Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in the Transportation Modes"

Odewumi stated that there are challenges in the transport sector and CIOTA is helping to solve such issues as inadequate infrastructure, logistical bottlenecks, and policy regulatory complexities even though these challenges have served as catalysts for innovation and resilience within the transport sector, adding that CIOTA remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence as it is playing a pivotal role in navigating these challenges by advocating  policy reforms and fostering a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the nation's transport capabilities.

He stated that the summit is being convened with the aim to serve as a crucible of ideas, a melting pot where industry experts, policymakers, and thought leaders converge to chart a course for the future. “It is an opportunity to explore innovative solutions, address current issues, and lay the groundwork for a transportation ecosystem that is not only efficient but also sustainable and inclusive.“

Expected at the event, he said include the Director General of National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, near Jos, Professor Ayo Omotayo, who will deliver the keynote address under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Kashim Shettima; the Honorable Ministers of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmad Alkali; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike as Guest of Honours and a host of other very highly esteemed dignitaries.

Odewumi mainained that the summit as enlightening as it is will discuss the challenges of congested highways and insufficient road infrastructure while looking forward to prospect that lies in pursuit of smart and sustainable road networks, utilizing technology to ease congestion, enhance safety and ensuring that Nigerian roads become not just conduits of travel but corridors of efficiency and safety.

Other issues to be discussed at the meeting include the challenge of connecting cities and regions to accommodate the growing demands of the populace by rail, prospect that emerges in the development of high-speed rail and the integration of cutting-edge technology for enhanced connectivity and reliability.

He said CIOTA is not unmindful of the environmental concerns that persist in the aviation industry, adding that CIOTA will discuss sustainable technologies and practices that ensure that the skies remain open and blue for generations to come.

Also to be discussed is the waterways which are vital arteries of trade and commerce; and pipelines which is vital for the seamless flow of resources. He said that Pipeline is a recent admission to the transport system and therefore there is a need for robust maintenance and addressing environmental concerns. “Hence, we look forward to discussing how to leverage advanced technologies for pipeline monitoring and investing in a resilient pipeline infrastructure for the sustainability of our national transport network.”

He added that the summit is not just a forum for discourse but a call to action. “There is need to confront these challenges head-on, turning them into stepping stones toward a future where the roads are smart, railways are swift, skies are sustainable, waterways are safe, and pipelines are resilient.”

Sub-themes to be examined at the summit include “Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in Road Construction and Maintenance, to be delivered by the Hon Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi; Emerging National Challenges and Prospects in Aviation Sector to be delivered by Chief Festus Keyamo (SAN) and Emerging National Challenges in Rail Transport, to be delivered by Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali.

Other sub themes according to Odewumi are Pioneering Navigational Charting Challenges and Prospects in Maritime and Blue Economy, to be delivered by H.E, Oboyega Oyetola (CON); and Emerging Challenges and Prospect in Pipeline Transport, to be delivered by Dr. Bala Zaka.

CIOTA, according to the Odewumi is expecting about 500 participants at the event including Policy makers in the Ministries of Transportation, Ministry of Maritime and blue economy, Works, Aviation, Petroleum resources, Regulatory authorities, Multilateral Agencies, transport Professionals and General Transport Community, adding that speakers are drawn from the academics, operations, administrations and management.

The discussant, he added, will focus on both technical and economic challenges.

Other speakers expected at the event are, Professor Leo Daniel, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Ikoti Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Professor Osi Akpogomeh, Director, CELTRANS, University of  Portharcourt, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Salih Bayero Farrah, DG, NITT, Engr Okusaga, Director Rail, LAMATA, amongst others.

 

IRISE is empowering youths, transforming the future through SRHR training at IRISEBootCamp2023, says Ejeh

In a groundbreaking initiative to empower young people and foster a society grounded in knowledge and respect, IRISE (Initiative to Resist Institutional Slavery and Exploitation) has commenced its SRHR BootCamp2023, aimed at empowering the youth, and transforming the future through Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education.

The first phase of the programme started on September 10, 2023, and would be concluded on December 10, 2023.

According to Omodele Ibitoye Ejeh, Executive Director, IRISE, this transformative event is set to revolutionize Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights education, aligning with the visionary principles outlined by the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission.

Defining SRHR through a Comprehensive Approach, she said the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission's definition of SRHR, proposed in 2018, serves as the cornerstone for IRISE's mission. She said “This comprehensive definition goes beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing sexual health, sexual rights, reproductive health, and reproductive rights. It addresses the profound impact of violence, stigma, and the crucial need for bodily autonomy. Importantly, it provides a framework for addressing the SRHR of neglected groups, including adolescent girls and individuals with disabilities.”

She disclosed that IRISE recognized this comprehensive framework as a guiding light for governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders. She added that with a commitment to designing policies, services, and programs that address all aspects of SRHR effectively and equitably, IRISE strides forward to implementing the principles laid out by the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission.

Speaking further on the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission which is a Pillar of evidence-based action, she said that the commission was established in early 2016, the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission, on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights emerged as a beacon of evidence-based action. The Commission's agenda boldly addresses key SRHR priorities globally, providing a roadmap for transformative change.

Ejeh also spoke on Holistic Approach to SRHR Education for Youth, saying IRISE's SRHR BootCamp 2023 focuses on adolescent girls and young women of age 10 to 24, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive range of health and legal aspects to ensure their well-being and autonomy which include four core concepts: Sexual Rights: Ensuring self-determination in matters related to sexuality, empowering the right to make informed choices about one's sexual life; Sexuality Education by Providing accurate information about relationships, puberty, sexual health, consent, and respectful behavior, empowering informed decisions about bodies and relationships.

Other core concepts, according to her, include Access to Sexual Health Services, emphasizing the importance of quality sexual health services, including guidance on reproductive health, contraception, post abortion care, STI prevention while respecting privacy and confidentiality; and Right to Pleasure which Recognizes the right to pleasure while underlining the importance of consensual, respectful, and lawful experiences.

She also spoke on IRISE BootCamp 2023 which she described as Lighting the Path Forward. She said the SRHR education offered by IRISE for young people aged 10 to 24 was designed to ensure they are informed, empowered, and protected in matters related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights, and their rights to their bodies. “The BootCamp not only aligns with the principles of the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission but also serves as a testament to IRISE's commitment to creating a society that respects autonomy and dignity.

Ejeh therefore called on many to join IRISE on the transformative journey. “Together, let's illuminate the path to a future where comprehensive SRHR education is universally accessible, empowering the youth and fostering a world free from the shadows of misinformation and discrimination.”                                                                              

She spoke on the benefits of joining their Community which include Education, Gain knowledge on various aspects of SRHR, from abstinence, menstrual health, contraception to family planning, in a hub designed to empower informed choices; Supportive Community by joining a non-judgmental environment where experiences are shared, questions are welcomed, and support is readily available; Empowerment Advocate for your right to make informed decisions about your body, discussing topics like consent, bodily autonomy, and healthcare access.

Others include Fun and Engaging, to learn in a way that's enjoyable through quizzes, articles, and discussions that foster a positive attitude towards our bodies and health; Friendship and Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals beyond the digital realm, forming friendships that provide a support system; Impactful Conversations: Contribute to breaking the stigma surrounding SRHR, believing that open and honest conversations can change lives and societies for the better.

Speaking on how IRISE is pioneering a revolution in SRHR education and gender equality, she said that in an era dominated by technological advancement, IRISEstands as a beacon at the forefront of transforming Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education, while actively combating gender-based violence, adding that through harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), IRISE is redefining the landscape of knowledge delivery and empowerment.

Ejeh said “IRISE recognizes the significance of breaking down barriers to SRHR education, and their programs are leading the way in leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies. By employing personalized learning experiences, tailored to individual needs, IRISE empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to take control of their sexual and reproductive health. The use of AI algorithms ensures that education becomes more engaging and accessible than ever before, adapting to each learner's pace and preferences.”

Ejeh through IRISE invited change-makers and advocates to join forces in harnessing the limitless potential of the IRISE SRHR Boot Camp 2023. “This initiative aims to create a brighter future where SRHR education is universally accessible, and gender-based violence becomes a relic of the past. With the support of allies and partners like Global Fund for Women, IRISE envisions a more equitable and empowered world for all.

“Teaching young people about puberty and SRHR, has historically been a challenging task for adults, especially parents. IRISE, however, has found a groundbreaking solution through the integration of cutting-edge AI technology. The creation of youth-friendly, AI-generated videos on SRHR simplifies crucial topics for young people. Here's why these videos are a game-changer on SRHR education for young people, she stated.

She disclosed that IRISE's commitment extends beyond education to the eradication of gender-based violence. The integration of AI enables the identification of patterns and early warning signs, allowing proactive intervention. Safe spaces, both online and offline have been created to offer immediate assistance and resources to those in need. IRISE envisions a world where every person, regardless of gender, can live free from violence.

She added that IRISE's AI-generated videos distill complex information into simple, easy-to-understand language and visuals. This breakthrough, according to her, makes it significantly easier for parents to communicate these essential concepts to their children, removing the barriers of fear and discomfort.

Ejeh said the impact of the education has been widespread, as IRISE has shared these videos with schools initially. Subsequent survey forms will enable parents or guardians to express and examine how this information has been useful to them and their young ones.

She said “This invaluable education has been disseminated across school platforms and shared with other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The objective is to foster positive engagement, open and honest conversations around SRHR education, awareness, and empowerment. Importantly, this effort aims to eradicate stigmatization and discrimination against girls, women, and young people, championing their rights to bodily autonomy and informed choices.”

As IRISE continues to make strides in its work, objectives, achievements, and goals, it beckons society to join hands in creating a world where knowledge is power, and everyone can live free from the shadows of lack of awareness and access to valid Sexual Reproductive Health and rights information and services, and gender-based violence. The journey of discovery has begun, and with IRISE leading the way, positive change is on the horizon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jubilation galore as SCOAN holds 2023 Thanksgiving Service in grand-style

Cyriacus Nnaji:

It was jubilation galore on Sunday, December 3, 2023, as members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), including well-wishers across the globe gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness and grace upon the church at the 2nd thanksgiving anniversary.

The event which was to commemorate the reopening of the ministry after the glorious passing of its founder, the God's General Senior Prophet TBJOSHUA on June 5, 2021 and to celebrate the great and mighty works of God still heralding the ministry under the new leadership of  Pastor Evelyn Joshua.

The colourful event witnessed a huge turnout of members, well-wishers, guest artistes and invited guests from all over the world with an array of kaleidoscope of group members in scintillating colours of different attires.

The elated Evelyn Joshua, cladded in a simple but elegant pink attire in her speech expressed gratitude to God, ministers and members of the church who have stayed with the church even in the time of challenges.

She promised that the church’s new administration would continually strive to preserve the legacy of the church’s founder, Prophet TB Joshua.

“The legacy of Prophet TB Joshua shall live forever” she said

Quoting from the book of Psalm 107:1 Pastor Joshua enjoined the people to give thanks to God "for  He is good and His mercy endureth forever".

She also expressed profound gratitude to Emmanuel TV Partners for their unquantifiable support. 

Highlighting various  activities undertaken by the SCOAN in the year, Pastor Joshua mentioned the ministry's including special meetings at The Prayer Mountain, outreaches in Ghana, Spain, Zambia and Kenya, and numerous charity events in Spain, Turkey, Malawi, Ukraine, Kenya and other parts of the world. The woman of God also commended the different groups in the church for their faithfulness and steadfastness making the church to continue to move forward in God's grace.

High profile Gospel artiste including Christina Shusho from Tanzania performed at The SCOAN Shusho sang beautifully in Swahili language the popular southern and east African tongue to the excitement of the mammoth overflowing audience. 

Guest artiste Akintayo Akinwande performed a medley of Nigerian praise songs while SCOAN youth deployed choreography to offer a dance offering to God and to illustrate a message by Prophet TB Joshua.

The Congregants also watched clips highlighting God’s goodness in various amazing dimensions.

De creme de la creme from all works of life including Bishop Micheal Fleming of Church On The Street, a charity based in the United Kingdom graced the earth-shaking thanksgiving service.

Foreign visitors from all over the world, different groups of the church danced to the altar with their thanksgiving offering as the SCOAN Chorister sang like never.

All who attended the service were richly blessed and filled with joy. The church has continued to wax stronger under the leadership of Pastor Evelyn Joshua